Flip-Pack Cigarettes

ABSTRACT

A cigarette pack device is disclosed that allows users to carry around two different kinds or sizes of cigarettes at the same time, and combines king-size and standard cigarettes in one box. The cigarette pack device comprises a first container and a second container for retaining a plurality of cigarettes, wherein the first container and the second container are removably secured together. The containers are sized to hold both standard and king-size cigarettes. Thus, a container can retain all standard cigarettes, all king-size cigarettes, or a combination of both standard and king-size cigarettes. Further, the containers are removably secured together via a folded panel with a perforated line extending substantially along a length of the panel. Further, the panel is typically perforated, such that a user can rip away the panel to create two separate containers. Each container can also comprise a separate flip lid.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/725,690 filed Nov. 13, 2012.

BACKGROUND

Many people like to smoke both king-size and standard cigarettes, whether they're on a quick break at work or leisurely smoking in their home. In order to do so, however, people have to purchase two separate packs, which can be more expensive and a hassle to carry around. An effective solution is necessary.

The present invention provides users with an easy way to carry around two different kinds or sizes of cigarettes at the same time, and combines king-size and standard cigarettes in one box. The cigarette pack device gives users more variety in their cigarette choices, and prevents the need to purchase and carry two separate packs of cigarettes. The device allows users to divide one pack of cigarettes into two smaller packs that can easily fit in a pocket.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a cigarette pack device that allows users to carry around two different kinds or sizes of cigarettes at the same time, and combines king-size and standard cigarettes in one box. The cigarette pack device comprises a first container for retaining a first plurality of cigarettes and a second container for retaining a second plurality of cigarettes, wherein the first container and the second container are removably secured together, and wherein the first plurality of cigarettes is different than the second plurality of cigarettes. The first and second containers each comprise a top end, a bottom end, opposing sides, and an interior cavity. The containers are sized to hold both standard and king-size cigarettes. Thus, a container can retain all standard cigarettes, all king-size cigarettes, or a combination of both standard and king-size cigarettes.

In a preferred embodiment, the containers are removably secured together to form one container or (cigarette pack) via a folded panel wherein the folded panel comprises a perforated line extending substantially along a length of the panel. Further, the panel is typically perforated, such that a user can rip away the panel to create two separate containers. Each of the containers also comprise a separate flip lid that is secured to the top end of the containers. The flip lids retain the cigarettes within the respective containers, and once opened, allow access to the cigarettes within the interior cavity of the containers. Further, a user can open one lid without opening the other lid.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the cigarette pack device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the cigarette pack device with different sized cigarettes in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the cigarette pack device with the panel exposed in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cigarette pack device with the panel being pulled apart in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrates a perspective view of the cigarette pack device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention provides users with an easy way to carry around two different kinds or sizes of cigarettes at the same time, and combines king-size and standard cigarettes in one box. The cigarette pack device gives users more variety in their cigarette choices, and prevents the need to purchase and carry two separate packs of cigarettes. The device allows users to divide one pack of cigarettes into two smaller packs that can easily fit in a pocket. Anyone who regularly smokes and/or buys cigarettes may appreciate the convenience afforded by this device.

The disclosed cigarette pack device comprises a first container and a second container for retaining a plurality of cigarettes, wherein the first container and the second container are removably secured together. The containers are sized to hold both standard and king-size cigarettes. Thus, a container can retain all standard cigarettes, all king-size cigarettes, or a combination of both standard and king-size cigarettes. Further, the containers are removably secured together via a folded panel with a perforated line extending substantially along a length of the panel. Further, the panel is typically perforated, such that a user can rip away the panel to create two separate containers. Each container can also comprise a separate flip lid.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the cigarette pack device 100 that allows users to carry around two different kinds or sizes of cigarettes 106 at the same time, and combines king-size and standard cigarettes in one box. The cigarette pack device 100 comprises a first container 102 for retaining a first plurality of cigarettes 106 and a second container 104 for retaining a second plurality of cigarettes 107, wherein the first container 102 and the second container 104 are removably secured together, and wherein the first plurality of cigarettes 106 is different than the second plurality of cigarettes 107 (as shown in FIG. 1).

The first 102 and second 104 containers each comprise a top end 108, a bottom end 110, opposing sides 112, and an interior cavity 114. Typically, the first 102 and second 104 containers are rectangular in shape, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The containers 102 and 104 would generally be constructed of heavy duty cardstock, plastic, aluminum, flame resistant material, etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the containers 102 and 104 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The containers 102 and 104 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference. The containers 102 and 104 are approximately between 3 and 5 inches long as measured from the top end 108 to the bottom end 110, and approximately between 1.7 and 2.7 inches wide as measured from opposing sides 112, and approximately between 0.5 and 1.0 inch thick as measured from a front surface 116 to a back surface 118. Typically, the containers 102 and 104 are the same size and shape, therefore when the pack contains both standard size cigarettes both containers 102 and 104 will be standard size and when the pack contains king size cigarettes both containers 102 and 104 will be king size. However, when the pack contains a combination of both cigarettes the containers 102 and 104 will be both king size, because if half the container 102 or 104 is king size and half is standard size cigarettes, the king size cigarettes are so significantly bigger than the standard cigarettes it would be difficult to take out the standard size cigarettes until the king sized are gone.

Typically, the containers 102 and 104 are hollow, but they do not have to be and can function by being partly solid, as long as a plurality of cigarettes 106 and 107 can be inserted into the top end 108 and retained within the interior cavity 114 (as shown in FIG. 2). The cigarettes 106 and 107 can be menthol cigarettes, low-tar cigarettes, low-nicotine cigarettes, natural cigarettes or regular cigarettes. Natural cigarettes include clove cigarettes, kreteks, and flavored cigarettes. In addition to tobacco, these cigarettes contain various flavorings, such as ground cloves, clove oil, and/or candy-like flavors, such as chocolate, cherry, and mango. Another type of “natural” cigarette is an herbal cigarette. This cigarette is made from a blend of herbs, such as passion flower, jasmine, and ginseng, etc. Regular cigarettes are typically filtered and include reconstituted tobacco and other additives. Further, the cigarettes 106 and 107 can be standard size cigarettes or king-size cigarettes.

Specifically, each of the containers 102 and 104 are sized to hold approximately 10 standard cigarettes, or approximately 10 king-size cigarettes. Further, each container 102 or 104 can retain both standard and king-size cigarettes depending on the wants and needs of a user or manufacturing preferences. Thus, a container 102 or 104 can retain all standard cigarettes, all king-size cigarettes, or a combination of both standard and king-size cigarettes.

The containers 102 and 104 each comprise a separate flip lid 120, that is secured to the top end 108 via a hinge or other suitable securing means as is known in the art. The flip lids 120 retain the cigarettes 106 and 107 within the containers 102 and 104, and once opened, allow access to the cigarettes 106 and 107 within the interior cavity 114 of the containers 102 and 104. Further, the lids 120 operate independent of one another. The flip lids 120 would generally be constructed of the same materials as the containers 102 and 104, such as heavy duty cardstock, plastic, aluminum, flame resistant material, etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the flip lids 120 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The containers 102 and 104 are removably secured together (as shown in FIG. 2). Any number of containers 102 and 104 can be secured together depending on the wants and needs of a user and/or manufacturing preferences. The containers 102 and 104 are removably secured together via any suitable means as is known in the art, such as a folded panel 122 (as shown in FIG. 3) wherein the folded panel 122 comprises a perforated line 124 extending substantially along a length of the panel 122.

Typically, the folded panel 122 is comprised of a perforated cardstock material, or any other suitable material known in the art that can be torn away by the user. Further, the panel 122 is typically perforated, such that a user can rip away the panel 122 to create two separate containers 102 and 104 (as shown in FIG. 4). However, the panel 122 does not have to be perforated, and the cigarette pack device 100 can function with a solid panel 122 as well, as long as the solid panel 122 can be detached creating separate containers 102 and 104.

Further, the containers 102 and 104 can be formed as an integral piece and manufactured from a single piece of material, or the containers 102 and 104 can be formed as two separate pieces (or blanks) and manufactured from two pieces of material and then removably secured together via any suitable means as is known in the art, such as a folded panel 122 wherein the folded panel 122 comprises a perforated line 124 extending substantially along a length of the panel 122.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate the cigarette pack device 100 with the panel 122 being pulled apart via the perforated line 124. As stated supra, the containers 102 and 104 are removably secured together via any suitable means as is known in the art, such as a folded panel 122 which comprises a perforated line 124 extending substantially along a length of the panel 122. The panel 122 can be concealed via being folded up between the two containers 102 and 104. Typically, the folded panel 122 is comprised of a perforated cardstock material, or any other suitable material known in the art that can be torn away by the user.

The user would unfold the panel 122 (as shown in FIG. 3), by gently pulling the two containers 102 and 104 away from each other. Further, the panel 122 is typically perforated, such that a user (once the panel 122 is unfolded) can rip away the panel 122 to create two separate containers 102 and 104 (as shown in FIG. 4). However, the panel 122 does not have to be perforated, and the cigarette pack device 100 can function with a solid panel 122 as well, as long as the solid panel 122 can be detached creating separate containers 102 and 104.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate the cigarette pack device 100 in use. In operation, a user 500 would choose the size and/or type of cigarettes 106 and 107 that meets their needs and/or wants, such as menthol cigarettes, low-tar cigarettes, low-nicotine cigarettes, natural cigarettes, regular cigarettes, standard cigarettes, or king-size cigarettes. Further, the containers 102 and 104 can contain all standard size cigarettes, all king-size cigarettes, or a combination of standard and king-size cigarettes. The user 500 would then choose the specific cigarette pack device 100 containing the desired combination of cigarettes 106 and 107.

Once purchased, the user 500 could then unfold the panel 122 and could tear the perforated strip 124 of the panel 122 to separate the cigarette pack device 100 into separate containers 102 and 104. The user 500 can then carry one of the containers 102 with him or her (as shown in FIG. 5A) and leave the other container 104 at his or her desk (as shown in FIG. 5B) or home, etc. Thus, the cigarette pack device 100 allows users to carry around two different kinds or sizes of cigarettes 106 and 107 at the same time, and combines king-size and standard cigarettes in one box. The device 100 also prevents users 500 from needing to purchase and carry two separate packs of cigarettes 106 and 107.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cigarette pack device comprising: a first container for retaining a first plurality of cigarettes, comprising a top end, a bottom end, opposing sides, and an interior cavity; a second container for retaining a second plurality of cigarettes, comprising a top end, a bottom end, opposing sides, and an interior cavity; and wherein the first container is removably attached to the second container.
 2. The cigarette pack device of claim 1, wherein the first container retains a plurality of standard cigarettes.
 3. The cigarette pack device of claim 2, wherein the second container retains a plurality of king-size cigarettes.
 4. The cigarette pack device of claim 1, wherein the first container retains a plurality of both standard and king-size cigarettes.
 5. The cigarette pack device of claim 1, wherein the second container retains a plurality of both standard and king-size cigarettes.
 6. The cigarette pack device of claim 1, wherein the first container is sized to retain approximately ten standard cigarettes.
 7. The cigarette pack device of claim 1, wherein the second container is sized to retain approximately ten king-size cigarettes.
 8. The cigarette pack device of claim 1, wherein the first container and the second container are removably attached together via a folded cardstock panel.
 9. The cigarette pack device of claim 8, wherein the folded cardstock panel comprises a perforated line extending substantially along a length of the panel.
 10. The cigarette pack device of claim 1, wherein the first container and the second container are each comprised of a blank and then secured together.
 11. The cigarette pack device of claim 1, wherein the first container and the second container are manufactured of heavy duty cardstock.
 12. A cigarette pack device comprising: a first container for retaining a plurality of standard cigarettes, comprising a top end, a bottom end, opposing sides, and an interior cavity; a second container for retaining a plurality of king-size cigarettes, comprising a top end, a bottom end, opposing sides, and an interior cavity; and wherein the first container is connected to and detachable from the second container.
 13. The cigarette pack device of claim 12, wherein the first container and the second container are connected together via a folded cardstock panel.
 14. The cigarette pack device of claim 13, wherein the folded cardstock panel comprises a perforated line extending substantially along a length of the folded cardstock panel.
 15. The cigarette pack device of claim 12, wherein the first container and the second container are manufactured of heavy duty cardstock.
 16. The cigarette pack device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of standard cigarettes are menthol cigarettes and the plurality of king-size cigarettes are regular cigarettes.
 17. The cigarette pack device of claim 12, wherein the first container is sized to retain approximately ten standard cigarettes and the second container is sized to retain approximately ten king-size cigarettes.
 18. A cigarette pack device comprising: a first container for retaining a plurality of standard cigarettes, comprising a top end, a bottom end, opposing sides, and an interior cavity; a second container for retaining a plurality of king-size cigarettes, comprising a top end, a bottom end, opposing sides, and an interior cavity; and wherein the first container and the second container are removably secured together via a folded cardstock panel, and wherein the folded cardstock panel comprises a perforated line extending substantially along a length of the folded cardstock panel.
 19. The cigarette pack device of claim 18, wherein the first container and the second container are manufactured of heavy duty cardstock.
 20. The cigarette pack device of claim 18, wherein the first container is sized to retain approximately ten standard cigarettes and the second container is sized to retain approximately ten king-size cigarettes. 